All Kings favorite Human

The Journey

AGATHA'S POV

The royal carriage rolls to a stop in the bustling harbor and we see it, a cruise ship so big and beautiful that astrouded human observers stand marveling at It's brilliant appearance. It's sleek sides are curved like fins of a great fish, while at the bow, a stunning golden statue of a muscular merman, adorned with a golden crown, is built thrusting a trident into the air. The name "Raven's Wing," adorned with shimmering pearls is curved elegantly along the side.

"My laddies, we have arrived." The coachman informs opening the door. Penelope and Aileen step out, beaming with excitement. I follow and gather their luggage.

"It's magnificent?" Penelope exclaims, gazing up at the leagth of the luxury cruise ship.

"Absolutely! with his wealth, all women will wish they were us." Aileen gushes.

as they start to confidently make their way towards the gangway of the grand ship.

Two impeccably dressed mermen descended to greet them. They look more like king Atticus, tall and smooth skinned and their dressing is way more impressive than us humans, their loose white poofy shirts tucked into their tight black leather pants are made of finest silks and the feathered hats they have on are decorated with white pearl beads.

"Welcome, your highnesses. Allow us to assist you aboard," one offers, bowing slightly. "Our king awaits."

With grace, Penelope and Amelia extend their hands, allowing themselves to be escorted up the gangplank. I follow behind, struggling with the weight of their numerous bags. Couldn't they have packed less?

My body still feels weak from the pain of yesterday's rejection. Crying all night didn't piece together the broken pieces of my heart.

Reaching the expansive ship’s deck, I finally notice the tall, stunning figure of king Atticus in an exquisite white outfit standing facing the ocean. He looks even more dashing under the rays of the rising sun. Aileen smoothens her cream coloured dress, making sure her cleavage is in full view as they approach him.

The king turns and his amorous smile towards my stepsisters make my heart swell with pain.

After his rejection, I had resolved to respect his choice, even though it still pains me deeply. He had chosen my stepsisters, not me. Our mate bond isn't broken because I never accepted his rejection so I still feel this unneeded attraction towards him but I will act like I have never met him before, like I am not his mate.

"Welcome, my beloveds." He greets my stepsisters, who eagerly present their hands for him to kiss, smiling graciously.

I lower my head, it’s easier if I just don't look at them. It feels like I'm just the jealous one, and they are his real mates.

"Your ship is truly magnificent! Not at all like the common ransacked human ships!" Penelope praises, her voice filled with admiration.

How delightful to hear her belittle humans, as if she is not one herself. But I bet she would say anything to impress him.

"Yes, it’s like a floating palace! We are honored to finally be here with you, Your Majesty," Aileen adds.

He nods graciously in response to their praises. "It’s a pleasure to have you aboard.”

He then gestures to one of his uniformed crew members standing beside him. "This is my Captain's assistant, Kai. He’ll help you settle into one of the ships room. We need to set sail soon."

"I will show you to the room so you can rest, my ladies." Kai says, glancing at me. "Your servant can hand over the luggage to one of my men."

"You don't need to burden yourself with the luggages, my bride's servant here is well capable of carrying the bags to her mistresses room." King Atticus states, his cold gaze finally shifting towards me.

Kai reluctantly agrees and leads the way towards the ship's main entrance, motioning for my step sisters to follow.

Looks like I’ll be the one carrying the heavy bags again while my stepsisters enjoy the royal treatment.

I move to grab the luggage but king Atticus steps forward and halts way too close to me. His enchanting scent invades my nostrils and I fight the urge to raise my head and look at his face.

"If you’re going to serve my future queens, do us all a favor and cover that ridiculous rainbow fur on your head. I don’t want my people questioning about your appearance when we arrive in my kingdom,” he commands coldly, causing some of his crew members to stifle their laughter.

I lower my head in embarrassment. His rude words feel like a knife slicing at my heart. And the others delightful laughter makes it hurt even more. Can he be any crueler? There’s nothing wrong with my hair and other features, I’m just different.

"And we're not going to have any issues, are we?”

I immediately know he is making it clear that he is with my stepsisters and our mate bond is a disgrace to his nobility.

He doesn’t wait long for an answer. I respond right away, without hesitating.

“No, your majesty, no issues. I respect your decision.” I keep my head down, my tail tucked.

"You can go,” he says dismissively, his expression one of clear disgust.

I can feel his crew’s glares as I bend down to pick up the heavy bags and follow after my stepsisters taking steadying breaths, willing myself not to cry.

I catch up with them just as their escort, Kai, stops in front of a gilded door.

"You will rest here for now, Princesses," Kai says, unlocking the door and ushering us inside. The room is opulent, with a king-sized bed, a gilded table, and a massive couch by the window.

I set the bags down near the bed as Kai speaks again. "We've stocked the room with anything you might need. Rest well."

My stepsisters nod in thanks and Kai leaves.

Aileen turns to Penelope excitedly. "When do you think we'll get to marry King Atticus?"

Penelope shrugs, propping her feet up on the couch. "Can’t you wait to drag him to bed, can you?"

Amelia rolls her eyes dramatically, a giggle escaping her lips. "You know you can’t wait either! He’s so manly and breathtakingly gorgeous. I can only imagine how enjoyable it will be!"

I try to push down the ache in my heart as they gush over my mate.

I may have resolved to respect his choice, but that doesn't make it any easier to bear hearing them talk about bedding him.

My heart aches every time I listen to them speak of becoming his beloved wives. He rejected me, he has been rude to me and I shouldn't care about him marrying them. I wish my heart would learn to let go faster.